"I was not ready to win my first Grand Slam, I was not mature enough”: Alexander Zverev reflects on US Open 2020 loss after reaching French Open final

Alexander Zverev reflects on his 2020 US Open loss after reaching maiden French Open final (image source: GETTY)
Alexander Zverev reflects on his 2020 US Open loss after reaching maiden French Open final (image source: GETTY)

Alexander Zverev reflected on his 2020 US Open final loss against Dominic Thiem after reaching his second Grand Slam final at the 2024 French Open. The German blew a two-set lead to Thiem, who won the match 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6) to win his lone Major.

Zverev defeated Casper Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals to reach his maiden French Open final on his fourth Final 4 attempt. During the on-court interview, he was asked if his experience from his heartbreaking US Open 2020 final loss against Thiem would come in handy for the summit clash.

Zverev took a moment to remember how he lost the match after having a huge lead but admitted that he was not ready back then to win a Grand Slam and lacked the maturity. He explained how he was not getting younger now that he was 27 years old and needed to win a Major as soon as possible.

"Well, I was two sets to love up and a break up, and I was two points away from winning the match. But, I've said it before and I'm going to say it now again - I was not ready," Alexander Zverev.
"I was not ready to win my first Grand Slam title, I was not mature enough, I was maybe too much of a kid still. I didn't know what the occasion meant and that's why I lost. I'm 27 years old now, so definitely not a kid anymore, already getting older and you know, if not now then when?"

"It's been a long time but I'm still enjoying this game" - Alexander Zverev on his longevity

Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev

When told that he was the eldest semifinalist at this year's Roland Garros, Alexander Zverev admitted that he had been on the tour for a long time and was currently in his 11th year. Having said that, the World No. 4 said that he was still deeply in love with the game. He also expressed his desire to win his first Major at the French Open this year.

"Yeah, I mean look, I've been on the tour for, this is my 11th year now. So, it's been a long time but I'm still enjoying the game, I still love every single second on these kinds of beautiful courts and I'm still trying to improve and I'm in my first Roland Garros final and hopefully I can win my first Grand Slam."

Alexander Zverev will play Carlos Alcaraz in the final. The Spaniard ousted Jannik Sinner 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals. The German has played Alcaraz nine times in his career and leads their head-to-head 5-4.

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Edited by Partha Sarathi Banerjee
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